Qatar Sprint Race and Grand Prix Qualifying: Live Updates
Introduction
Philip will be here shortly to take you through this day's short race (14:00 GMT) and grid-setting session (6pm).
Live Feed
Formation Lap Period
The warm-up lap has begun.
Track Information
There are nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in Formula One, the commentator reminds us.
Final Moments
The countdown is on.
Racer Positions
One point in Max Verstappen's advantage: his fellow driver Yuki Tsunoda is in front of him by a single position. He is unlikely to interfere with the team's main man.
Interview Updates
Sky interviewing Sky now: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team.
The analyst is jumping ahead to the 2026 season, interviewing the engineer about his promotion to the team lead role.
Grid Details
There are only 16 cars on the grid. It was another bad qualifying for Lewis Hamilton: following his result of twentieth and final in Las Vegas, resulting in an eighth position in the grand prix, he did not manage to advance of Q1 once more on Friday. The team have consequently made changes to his car configuration and so he begins from the pit lane.
The team's Stroll and the Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto are all starting from the same position.
Driver Comments
"We'll use the experience for the next day," says Hadjar, starting eleventh. Expect a lot of that.
Constructors' Championship
The focus isn't solely on the individual championship: The team have run away with the constructors' gong but Mercedes, with a 40-point lead over their rivals, are aiming to secure the runner-up position this weekend. Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Antonelli will start just behind the leader.
Past Performance
Piastri won that day ā as he managed the previous season, as well. The driver from McLaren is attempting a third consecutive win.
Sprint Race Value
Alright, approximately twenty minutes to go till the sprint race begins. Barring disaster, it's greatest value is as a preview of what is to come, rather than highly important in its itself, with only eight points awarded to the victor. Mind you, second place in this race was sufficient for Verstappen to become champion two years ago.
The driver claimed the championship following PĆ©rez crashes out of the short race.
